Pool Reports of January 13, 2024

In-town pool report #1

Good morning folks,

The in-town pool call time has been moved up to 8:50 am.

POTUS is now scheduled to depart the South Lawn at 9:30 am, per the WH.

In-town pool report #2 - gather

Pool gathered at 9:20 am to head out to the South Lawn.

In-town pool report #3 - questions

POTUS emerged from the residence at 9:49 am and responded to questions about the Taiwan elections, the border, Ukraine, Poland and Iran.

"We're not supporting independence of Taiwan," he said.

Will have more once we check the tape.

POTUS was aboard Marine One as of 9:51 am.

And from the White House:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Camp David:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations

In-town pool report #4 -wheels up

Marine One was wheels up as of 9:55 am.

In-town pool report #5 - quotes

Some other highlights, it was loud and windy, so please check quotes against the transcript.

Following a team effort from the pool, the consensus is that the Taiwan comment was: "We're not supporting independence."

"I've been pushing them -- my Republican colleagues since I got in office. I think we have to make a major change in the border," POTUS said. "I'm prepared to make significant alterations in the border."

He referenced the ongoing negotiations.

Asked about funding for Ukraine, POTUS said:

"If my Republican colleagues don't fund Ukraine they're going to have an awful lot of -- to pay for."

On a pro-EU government in Poland:

"I think that's very good"

Said of the message to Iran given the attacks by the Houthis that "we delivered it privately and we're confident we're well prepared."

In-town pool report #5a correction

After further review, the Taiwan quote is:

"We do not support independence."